Mountains to Molehills: Buy American

Published: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 10:20 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 10:20 a.m.

Bob Frank of Hendersonville renews emphasis on the Made in America theme of the 1980s, but some say it's too late. "Look through any catalog, on any shelf, and all this stuff is coming from China," he grumbled during a recent Mountains to Molehills round-table discussion at Opportunity House. "And we're buying all this stuff from China. Spend your money on American-made products." It's not that easy, says Ernie Dukes of Hendersonville. "You say buy American-made products, but we don't make enough things anymore in this country," says Mr. Dukes. "It's hard to buy American-made items when all of our factories have been shipped overseas." At America's prices, Dave Ritchie of Columbus isn't sure Americans could afford American-made products. "You and I don't want to pay those prices," says Mr. Ritchie. "The unions have wages so high, we've priced ourselves out of a job." When all else fails, Mr. Frank suggests that people "support President Barack Obama's plan to tax the rich."

Facts

Reach Lou Parris at 828-694-7836 or molehills@blueridgenow.com

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‘BAY BREEZE': The seafood gets no better than that at Bay Breeze. That's a promise from Annie Wynn of Hendersonville. "The salmon is broiled, and it is delicious," she recommends. "Besides, fish is healthy, and you need it two or three times a week. And there's no better place for seafood than Bay Breeze. The prices are reasonable, you get plenty to eat, and the service is great."

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GOTCHA!: An elderly lady decided to give herself a big treat for her birthday by staying overnight in one of the city's most expensive hotels. When she checked out the next morning, the desk clerk handed her a bill for $250. She exploded. "It's a nice hotel, but the rooms certainly aren't worth $250 for just an overnight stay," she protested. The clerk told her it was the standard rate, and she insisted on speaking to the manager. The manager, already warned by the desk clerk, approached the woman and said, "The hotel has an Olympic-size pool and a huge conference center, which are available for use." "But I didn't use them," she said. ‘'Well, they are here, and you could have," said the manager. He went on to explain that she could have seen one of the shows for which the hotel is famous. "We have the best entertainers performing here," the manager said. "But I didn't go to any of the shows," she said. "Well, we have them, and you could have," the manager replied. No matter what amenity the manager mentioned, she replied, "But I didn't use it!" The manager was unmoved, so she decided to pay. She wrote a check and gave it to him. The manager was surprised when he looked at the check. "But, madam, this check is only made out for $50," he said. "That's correct," she said. "I charged you $200 for spending the night with me." "That's nonsense," barked the manager. "That never happened." "Well, that's too bad," said the woman. "I was here, and you could have."

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LAST BUT NOT LEAST: The Opportunity House is accepting donations for its New Opportunities Thrift Shop, which will open early next month. You can drop off items from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Furniture in good condition, small appliances, clothing and housewares will be accepted. Volunteers also are needed, and you can enlist by calling 692-0575. u Inviting folks to join in a discussion on protecting our natural resources, the Environmental and Conservation Organization suggests that you "don't whine about the environment; drink wine with the environmentalists." And that's just what's going to take place at 5 p.m. Thursday at ECO's neighboring Falderal Winery. That's where you'll enjoy a glass of local wine while learning more about ECO's work. Falderal is at 131 Third Ave. W. in downtown Hendersonville. You can reserve a seat by calling 692-0385.

<p>Bob Frank of Hendersonville renews emphasis on the Made in America theme of the 1980s, but some say it's too late. "Look through any catalog, on any shelf, and all this stuff is coming from China," he grumbled during a recent Mountains to Molehills round-table discussion at Opportunity House. "And we're buying all this stuff from China. Spend your money on American-made products." It's not that easy, says Ernie Dukes of Hendersonville. "You say buy American-made products, but we don't make enough things anymore in this country," says Mr. Dukes. "It's hard to buy American-made items when all of our factories have been shipped overseas." At America's prices, Dave Ritchie of Columbus isn't sure Americans could afford American-made products. "You and I don't want to pay those prices," says Mr. Ritchie. "The unions have wages so high, we've priced ourselves out of a job." When all else fails, Mr. Frank suggests that people "support President Barack Obama's plan to tax the rich."</p><p>u</p><p>'BAY BREEZE': The seafood gets no better than that at Bay Breeze. That's a promise from Annie Wynn of Hendersonville. "The salmon is broiled, and it is delicious," she recommends. "Besides, fish is healthy, and you need it two or three times a week. And there's no better place for seafood than Bay Breeze. The prices are reasonable, you get plenty to eat, and the service is great."</p><p>u</p><p>GOTCHA!: An elderly lady decided to give herself a big treat for her birthday by staying overnight in one of the city's most expensive hotels. When she checked out the next morning, the desk clerk handed her a bill for $250. She exploded. "It's a nice hotel, but the rooms certainly aren't worth $250 for just an overnight stay," she protested. The clerk told her it was the standard rate, and she insisted on speaking to the manager. The manager, already warned by the desk clerk, approached the woman and said, "The hotel has an Olympic-size pool and a huge conference center, which are available for use." "But I didn't use them," she said. ''Well, they are here, and you could have," said the manager. He went on to explain that she could have seen one of the shows for which the hotel is famous. "We have the best entertainers performing here," the manager said. "But I didn't go to any of the shows," she said. "Well, we have them, and you could have," the manager replied. No matter what amenity the manager mentioned, she replied, "But I didn't use it!" The manager was unmoved, so she decided to pay. She wrote a check and gave it to him. The manager was surprised when he looked at the check. "But, madam, this check is only made out for $50," he said. "That's correct," she said. "I charged you $200 for spending the night with me." "That's nonsense," barked the manager. "That never happened." "Well, that's too bad," said the woman. "I was here, and you could have."</p><p>u</p><p>LAST BUT NOT LEAST: The Opportunity House is accepting donations for its New Opportunities Thrift Shop, which will open early next month. You can drop off items from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Furniture in good condition, small appliances, clothing and housewares will be accepted. Volunteers also are needed, and you can enlist by calling 692-0575. u Inviting folks to join in a discussion on protecting our natural resources, the Environmental and Conservation Organization suggests that you "don't whine about the environment; drink wine with the environmentalists." And that's just what's going to take place at 5 p.m. Thursday at ECO's neighboring Falderal Winery. That's where you'll enjoy a glass of local wine while learning more about ECO's work. Falderal is at 131 Third Ave. W. in downtown Hendersonville. You can reserve a seat by calling 692-0385.</p>